Dua Lipa reveals she always travels with a yoga mat; watch her master a challenging yoga pose

Pop star Dua Lipa is showing that a packed travel schedule is no reason to skip a workout. In a January 4 Instagram video shared by British Vogue, the singer spoke about how she stays fit while constantly on the move—and revealed the one item she never travels without: her yoga mat.

Dua Lipa’s travel fitness essential

Asked about her must-have travel accessory, Dua had a clear answer. “I always, always travel with my yoga mat,” she said, explaining that it helps her maintain a sense of routine no matter where she is in the world.

The portable mat allows her to practise yoga consistently, even amid a demanding international schedule.

Dua also shared an update on her progress, revealing that she has mastered a challenging yoga transition—moving from crow pose into a headstand. While she jokingly attempted to demonstrate the move during the interview, the transition is widely regarded as an advanced test of balance, strength and control.

From crow pose to headstand

The transition from bakasana (crow pose) to a headstand requires strong arms, a stable core and careful technique. According to fitness expert and digital creator Jules Acree, the sequence typically involves:

• Starting in malasana: A deep squat with feet grounded.

• Finding crow pose: Balancing body weight on the hands, with knees resting on the triceps.

• The pivot: Leaning forward gradually until the crown of the head touches the mat, forming a tripod base.

• The lift: Engaging the core to lift the legs upward in a controlled motion.

“This is an awesome way to exercise your core while practising control and stability, and building arm and core strength,” Acree has noted.

Expert advice on staying fit while travelling

Dua Lipa isn’t alone in advocating fitness on the go. In a February 2024 interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, said that practising yoga while travelling should focus as much on mental wellbeing as physical exercise.

“Incorporate restorative poses and meditation to promote relaxation and ensure you’re taking time for yourself amid the demands of travel,” he advised.

For those inspired by Dua’s anywhere-anytime fitness approach, experts recommend starting with foundational poses that ease stiffness from long journeys—such as downward dog or seated twists—before attempting advanced inversions like headstands.